Lena in the Spotlight by Alena Pitts Full Series Review

Summary

Lena Daniels is just your average 5th-grade girl. When her favorite singer holds a contest for a chance to be in a movie with her, Lena enters right away and to her surprise is chosen! Her summer plans are all canceled as her family relocates to Los Angeles for a few months so Lena can star in a new Chrisitan movie alongside Mallory Winston, her favorite singer.

Things are not always easy though, and Lena has to navigate family dynamics, fears, and missing her friends, while learning how to talk to God, read her Bible, and trust His plan for her life.

The first book focuses on filming the movie. In the second book, Lena is asked to go on tour with Mallory for a couple of weeks to promote the film. In the third book, when a children’s hospital closes, Lena decides to organize a benefit concert to help the affected children.

Throughout the series, Lena prays often and learns to trust God with her worries and her future. She shares Christ with her bus driver as well as a good friend. She makes mistakes and learns from them and grows in her faith.

Reading Level: Ages 8+.
Read Aloud Age: Any Age

Mom Thoughts

This series was sweet and fun and perfect for a “girly girl.” Throughout the entire series, Lena’s father is a very strong Godly influence, being a wonderful example as the spiritual leader of a family. Lena’s mom is also a very positive Godly influence. I really enjoyed seeing the growth in Lena’s faith throughout the series as well as addressing prayer, Bible reading, and trusting God with any situation.

There is mostly good in this series, with no language or questionable behavior concerns as well as some real-life situations with which most young girls could identify. It’s lighthearted and brings God into the conversation often. I also appreciate how Lena and her sisters are kind to each other, treat each other respectfully, and care about each other. It is refreshing to see a family portrayed in a healthy manner. There is also no gossip or catty behavior, which is usually so prevalent in books for girls.

There are two very common mishandlings of scripture that merit a conversation with your child. In the first book, Jeremiah 29:11 is used as a promise for individuals today, which it is not. Also, in the second book, Philippians 4:13 is referenced when Lena is going to share her story with an audience. Although doing this seems to be in God’s will in the story, the way the passage is taken out of context, your child might interpret this to mean if they love Christ, they can do anything. These are brief sections, but worth noting.

My final thought would be that although Lena does encounter trials in various forms throughout the series, most of her life seems very glamorous and exciting. I know that is part of the appeal, it’s fun to read about something that could never happen to us and it’s just a light-hearted series, but it might be worth talking about how Lena doesn’t encounter a really deep problem or trial, but how God is faithful and we can turn to Him no matter how difficult the situation.